Leicestershire Libraries recently switched to a new OPAC system (online public access catalogue). I’m not sure why but it turns out the new one isn’t very good at sending out reminder emails that your books need renewing. When I checked last night, I discovered that I was a little overdue and it would have cost me £7 in fines if the librarian hadn’t kindly waived the fees. I think I’m not the only one who has been caught out by this.

Apparently the new system makes it a little easier to create a new card for another person at the same address as an existing cardholder, which is faint praise given that I asked what improvements it had brought! I wonder if the switch was not increased quality but a cheaper contract? I am now going to have to get back in the habit of putting a note in the diary about due dates. Welcome to the 20th century… except at least in those days the library helpfully stamped the return date in the front!